Audit 352239

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$389.45M
Findings
44
Programs
212
Organization: University of Puerto Rico (PR)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-04-01
Auditor: Ernst & Young

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
553654 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553655 2024-003 - - C
553656 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
553657 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
553658 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553659 2024-003 - - C
553660 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
553661 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
553662 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553663 2024-003 - - C
553664 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
553665 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
553666 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553667 2024-003 - - C
553668 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
553669 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
553670 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553671 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553672 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553673 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553674 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
553675 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130096 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130097 2024-003 - - C
1130098 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1130099 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
1130100 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130101 2024-003 - - C
1130102 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1130103 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
1130104 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130105 2024-003 - - C
1130106 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1130107 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
1130108 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130109 2024-003 - - C
1130110 2024-004 Material Weakness Yes N
1130111 2024-005 Material Weakness Yes N
1130112 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130113 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130114 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130115 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130116 2024-002 Material Weakness - C
1130117 2024-002 Material Weakness - C

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $163.21M Yes 4
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $56.13M Yes 4
84.938T Disaster Recovery Assistance for Education $9.01M Yes 0
10.511 Smith-Lever Extension Funding $6.70M - 0
93.351 Research Infrastructure Programs $5.98M - 0
10.203 Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act $4.50M - 0
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $4.12M Yes 4
93.217 Family Planning Services $3.17M Yes 0
84.425L Education Stabilization Fund $2.86M Yes 1
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $2.70M Yes 4
93.662 Extramural Research Facilities Restoration Program: Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma – Construction $2.19M - 0
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $2.06M - 0
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $1.94M - 0
10.514 Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program $1.62M - 0
93.397 Cancer Centers Support Grants $1.42M - 0
84.042 Trio Student Support Services $1.26M - 0
84.120 Minority Science and Engineering Improvement $1.09M - 0
93.658 Foster Care Title IV-E $1.02M - 0
93.632 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service $753,961 - 0
93.157 Centers of Excellence $746,401 - 0
84.047 Trio Upward Bound $736,219 - 0
93.925 Scholarships for Health Professions Students From Disadvantaged Backgrounds $674,571 - 0
12.420 Military Medical Research and Development $673,866 - 0
93.394 Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research $641,623 - 0
43.001 Science $609,973 - 0
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $570,212 - 0
93.352 Construction Support $560,531 - 0
10.237 From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals $523,865 - 0
84.044 Trio Talent Search $520,966 - 0
97.077 Homeland Security Research, Development, Testing, Evaluation and Demonstration of Technologies Related to Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction $517,667 - 0
93.273 Alcohol Research Programs $473,414 - 0
15.808 U.s. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection $466,488 - 0
93.153 Coordinated Services and Access to Research for Women, Infants, Children, and Youth $453,937 - 0
66.605 Performance Partnership Grants $409,494 - 0
47.079 Office of International Science and Engineering $396,327 - 0
20.507 Federal Transit Formula Grants $394,475 - 0
93.865 Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research $387,138 - 0
20.616 National Priority Safety Programs $367,763 - 0
84.425E Education Stabilization Fund $356,407 Yes 1
93.143 Niehs Superfund Hazardous Substances_basic Research and Education $354,287 - 0
84.425F Education Stabilization Fund $339,002 Yes 1
93.943 Epidemiologic Research Studies of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (aids) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (hiv) Infection in Selected Population Groups $325,388 - 0
84.116 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education $286,463 - 0
10.902 Soil and Water Conservation $281,288 - 0
47.084 Nsf Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships $274,689 - 0
11.467 Meteorologic and Hydrologic Modernization Development $272,314 - 0
93.310 Trans-Nih Research Support $264,470 - 0
93.464 Acl Assistive Technology $254,969 - 0
93.914 Hiv Emergency Relief Project Grants $250,329 - 0
93.172 Human Genome Research $249,935 - 0
16.525 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus $233,550 - 0
93.113 Environmental Health $221,989 - 0
93.879 Medical Library Assistance $221,261 - 0
45.301 Museums for America $219,505 - 0
84.129 Rehabilitation Long-Term Training $217,150 - 0
93.127 Emergency Medical Services for Children $213,747 - 0
93.359 Nurse Education, Practice Quality and Retention Grants $212,980 - 0
93.866 Aging Research $202,898 - 0
11.463 Habitat Conservation $201,348 - 0
12.630 Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering $198,924 - 0
10.329 Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program $187,747 - 0
10.443 Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers $185,162 - 0
10.322 Distance Education Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas $184,328 - 0
93.867 Vision Research $175,013 - 0
93.262 Occupational Safety and Health Program $171,621 - 0
45.149 Promotion of the Humanities Division of Preservation and Access $165,292 - 0
11.460 Special Oceanic and Atmospheric Projects $162,773 - 0
93.236 Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities $162,312 - 0
84.335 Child Care Access Means Parents in School $161,347 - 0
15.805 Assistance to State Water Resources Research Institutes $152,635 - 0
93.876 Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Retail Food Specimens $145,168 - 0
45.162 Promotion of the Humanities Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development $143,136 - 0
93.399 Cancer Control $135,227 - 0
16.820 Postconviction Testing of Dna Evidence $132,677 - 0
47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences $130,263 - 0
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $118,571 - 0
11.303 Economic Development Technical Assistance $116,362 - 0
20.608 Minimum Penalties for Repeat Offenders for Driving While Intoxicated $114,177 - 0
93.928 Special Projects of National Significance $112,260 - 0
12.431 Basic Scientific Research $111,346 - 0
93.048 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iv, and Title Ii, Discretionary Projects $110,590 - 0
10.309 Civil Defense_industrial Participation $104,213 - 0
10.202 Cooperative Forestry Research $100,564 - 0
77.008 U.s. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholarship and Fellowship Program $98,995 - 0
97.061 Centers for Homeland Security $98,020 - 0
45.169 Promotion of the Humanities Office of Digital Humanities $97,072 - 0
81.135 Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy $95,609 - 0
16.582 Crime Victim Assistance/discretionary Grants $89,766 - 0
17.502 Occupational Safety and Health Susan Harwood Training Grants $85,817 - 0
11.473 Office for Coastal Management $85,513 - 0
93.068 Chronic Diseases: Research, Control, and Prevention $84,806 - 0
47.050 Geosciences $84,367 - 0
10.912 Environmental Quality Incentives Program $80,453 - 0
47.074 Biological Sciences $79,861 - 0
11.435 Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program $73,654 - 0
11.419 Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards $71,590 - 0
15.630 Coastal $70,480 - 0
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $70,303 - 0
10.950 Agricultural Statistics Reports $67,594 - 0
93.647 Social Services Research and Demonstration $66,497 - 0
11.012 Integrated Ocean Observing System (ioos) $65,903 - 0
93.889 National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program $65,268 - 0
93.110 Maternal and Child Health Federal Consolidated Programs $63,144 - 0
10.652 Forestry Research $61,627 - 0
47.041 Engineering $60,374 - 0
20.701 University Transportation Centers Program $59,490 - 0
93.215 Hansen's Disease National Ambulatory Care Program $57,304 - 0
84.325 Special Education - Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities $56,874 - 0
11.454 Unallied Management Projects $55,224 - 0
81.121 Nuclear Energy Research, Development and Demonstration $50,945 - 0
45.031 American Latino Museum Internship and Fellowship Initiative $50,843 - 0
93.969 Pphf Geriatric Education Centers $49,066 - 0
10.604 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program $46,441 - 0
10.215 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education $45,560 - 0
10.680 Forest Health Protection $45,110 - 0
12.300 Basic and Applied Scientific Research $45,099 - 0
93.396 Cancer Biology Research $44,111 - 0
93.184 Disabilities Prevention $40,447 - 0
10.223 Hispanic Serving Institutions Education Grants $39,899 - 0
10.674 Wood Utilization Assistance $39,877 - 0
81.123 National Nuclear Security Administration (nnsa) Minority Serving Institutions (msi) Program $39,466 - 0
93.121 Oral Diseases and Disorders Research $38,801 - 0
10.684 International Forestry Programs $38,647 - 0
10.205 Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University $38,526 - 0
98.001 Usaid Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas $38,368 - 0
93.837 Cardiovascular Diseases Research $37,969 - 0
93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research $36,320 - 0
93.103 Food and Drug Administration Research $36,025 - 0
10.675 Urban and Community Forestry Program $35,799 - 0
93.242 Mental Health Research Grants $35,723 - 0
20.607 Alcohol Open Container Requirements $35,446 - 0
93.124 Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship $35,165 - 0
11.431 Climate and Atmospheric Research $34,633 - 0
81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program $34,316 - 0
47.076 Stem Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) $34,286 - 0
66.950 National Environmental Education Training Program $32,264 - 0
81.U01 Other Unspecified Grants and Contracts $29,451 - 0
93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training $28,893 - 0
93.279 Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs $27,901 - 0
11.417 Sea Grant Support $27,695 - 0
84.938 Disaster Recovery Assistance for Education $27,278 - 0
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $25,982 - 0
93.350 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences $25,609 - 0
12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program $24,813 - 0
93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance $24,720 - 0
93.145 Hiv-Related Training and Technical Assistance $24,380 - 0
10.310 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (afri) $23,883 - 0
10.309 Trade Adjustment Assistance $23,872 - 0
10.515 Renewable Resources Extension Act $23,701 - 0
16.588 Violence Against Women Formula Grants $23,701 - 0
66.951 Environmental Education Grants Program $22,858 - 0
20.215 Highway Training and Education $22,836 - 0
93.118 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (aids) Activity $22,705 - 0
93.713 Arra – Child Care and Development Block Grant $21,420 - 0
10.309 Specialty Crop Research Initiative $18,080 - 0
10.217 Higher Education - Institution Challenge Grants Program $17,405 - 0
45.129 Promotion of the Humanities Federal/state Partnership $16,415 - 0
15.657 Endangered Species Recovery Implementation $15,200 - 0
15.U01 Other Unspecified Grants and Contracts $14,753 - 0
19.009 Academic Exchange Programs - Undergraduate Programs $13,251 - 0
81.117 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training and Technical Analysis/assistance $12,848 - 0
93.838 Lung Diseases Research $12,632 - 0
93.847 Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research $12,182 - 0
10.328 Food Safety Outreach Program $11,985 - 0
93.395 Cancer Treatment Research $11,846 - 0
66.203 Environmental Finance Center Grants $11,666 - 0
93.924 Ryan White Hiv/aids Dental Reimbursement and Community Based Dental Partnership Grants $11,642 - 0
93.283 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Investigations and Technical Assistance $10,873 - 0
47.075 Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences $10,470 - 0
10.304 Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative (fadi) $10,088 - 0
47.083 Integrative Activities $9,633 - 0
66.039 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (dera) National Grants $9,267 - 0
93.591 Family Violence Prevention and Services/state Domestic Violence Coalitions $8,743 - 0
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $8,677 - 0
81.087 Renewable Energy Research and Development $8,245 - 0
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants $8,005 - 0
66.436 Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Training Grants and Cooperative Agreements - Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act $7,241 - 0
93.393 Cancer Cause and Prevention Research $6,951 - 0
20.526 Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low Or No Emissions Programs $6,403 - 0
11.432 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa) Cooperative Institutes $6,039 - 0
10.207 Animal Health and Disease Research $5,417 - 0
66.716 Research, Development, Monitoring, Public Education, Outreach, Training, Demonstrations, and Studies $5,217 - 0
10.001 Agricultural Research Basic and Applied Research $4,900 - 0
66.509 Science to Achieve Results (star) Research Program $4,696 - 0
11.481 Educational Partnership Program $4,516 - 0
93.592 Family Violence Prevention and Services/discretionary $4,317 - 0
47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering $4,274 - 0
43.008 Office of Stem Engagement (ostem) $3,750 - 0
45.164 Promotion of the Humanities Public Programs $3,380 - 0
10.664 Cooperative Forestry Assistance $3,373 - 0
94.006 Americorps State and National 94.006 $2,184 - 0
10.216 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants $2,105 - 0
45.025 Promotion of the Arts Partnership Agreements $1,963 - 0
10.226 Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom $1,871 - 0
10.699 Partnership Agreements $1,800 - 0
10.500 Cooperative Extension Service $1,532 - 0
10.U01 Other Unspecified Grants and Contracts $1,500 - 0
11.620 Science, Technology, Business And/or Education Outreach $1,300 - 0
64.117 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance $1,252 - 0
93.853 Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders $456 - 0
93.389 National Center for Research Resources $455 - 0
93.247 Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Grant Program $410 - 0
93.307 Minority Health and Health Disparities Research $410 - 0
10.025 Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care $210 - 0
10.678 Forest Stewardship Program $4 - 0
11.307 Economic Adjustment Assistance $0 - 0
10.308 Resident Instruction, Agriculture, and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Grants $-84 - 0
84.375 Academic Competitiveness Grants $-663 - 0
15.615 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund $-672 - 0
84.031 Higher Education Institutional Aid $-1,693 - 0
93.846 Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research $-30,765 - 0
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $-48,545 Yes 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
TL1UNGGY39N4 Victor Gonzalez Auditee
7872570000 Matias Colombo Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Accounting Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (“Schedule” or “SEFA”) is presented using the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures awarded from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under Assistance Listing 97.036 must be presented on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards when FEMA approves the Project Worksheet (PW) and expenditures are incurred. During FY2024, the University of Puerto Rico accounted for $797,345 of eligible expenditures incurred in prior years from approved current year FEMA project worksheets.
Title: Matching Costs Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. Matching costs, such as the nonfederal share of certain program costs, are not included in the accompanying Schedule.
Title: Relationship to Federal Financial Reports Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. The regulations and guidelines governing the preparation of federal financial reports vary by federal agency and among programs administered by the same agency. Accordingly, the amounts reported in the federal financial reports do not necessarily agree with the amounts reported in the accompanying schedule, which is prepared on the basis of accounting explained in Note 2. Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”) require that federal financial reports for claims for advances and reimbursements contain information that is supported by the books and records from which the basic financial statements have been prepared. The University prepares the federal financial reports and claims for reimbursements primarily based on information from the internal accounting records of the respective Campuses of the University.
Title: Relationship to Financial Statements Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. Federal awards revenues and expenses are reported in the University’s statement of revenues, expenses and changes in net position in accordance with standards issued by the Government Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”) No. 35, as amended. Because the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents only federal activities of the University, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, assets, liabilities, net position, revenues, expenses, changes in net position, and cash flows of the University, as a whole.
Title: Program Clusters Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. Uniform Guidance defines a cluster of programs as a grouping of closely related programs that share common compliance requirements. According to this definition, TRIO, Research and Development, Student Financial Assistance, Economic Development, Highway Safety, CDBG-Entitlement Grants, Federal Transit, and CCDF were identified as clusters.
Title: Loan Programs Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the University processed $56,132,650 of new loans under the Federal Direct Student Loans Program (Assistance Listing No. 84.268). Since the University does not make the loans, the new loans made in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024, relating to this program are considered current year federal expenditures, whereas the outstanding loan balances are not. The new loans made in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, are reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards.
Title: Contingencies Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. The grant amounts received are subject to audit and adjustment. If any expenditure is disallowed by the grantor agencies as a result of such an audit, any claim for reimbursement to the grantor agencies would become a liability of the University. In the opinion of management, all grant expenditures are in compliance with the terms of the grant agreements and applicable federal laws and regulations.
Title: Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Policies: The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards presents the expenditures of all Federal Awards Programs of the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”). The University’s reporting entity is defined in the notes to the financial statements. De Minimis Rate Used: Both Rate Explanation: The University of Puerto Rico has various units which each have independent indirect cost rates. Some have negotiated indirect costs rates as per awards, and some have used the de minimis cost rate. The University used the ten percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed by the Uniform Guidance for some units.

Finding Details

Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition Finding Number: 2024-003 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria Advanced Payment Method: An institution submits a drawdown request for funds utilizing ED’s electronic grants management system, known as G5, that may not exceed the amount of funds needed to make immediate disbursements to eligible students and parents. If the request is accepted, ED initiates an electronic funds transfer to the institution’s account. The institution must then disburse the requested funds no later than three business days following receipt of those funds from ED. For institutions on the Advance Payment Method, any amount of Title IV funds not disbursed to recipients by the end of the third business day is considered excess cash. ED allows an institution to retain, for up to seven days, excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds drawn by the institution in the prior award year. The institution must return to ED any excess cash over the tolerable amount (one percent) and any amount remaining after the tolerance period (seven days). Questioned costs would be those in excess of the one percent threshold. Condition From a sample of 40 transaction selected for testing, we noted two instances in which the disbursement date exceeded the time period established by the Department of Education. Cause Processes and controls over the disbursement of requested funds requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University issues payments timely. Effect The University did not comply with cash management requirements, which could lead to funds disallowance. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 40 items from a population of 616 cash drawdowns. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University establishes internal controls and compliance processes to ensure disbursement of requested funds for advanced drawdowns are within the required timeframe. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Criteria When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began the attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs. The amount earned Title IV grant or loan assistance is calculated by determining the percentage of Title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student and applying that percentage to the total amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that was or could have been disbursed to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student’s withdrawal date. A student earns 100 percent if his or her withdrawal date is after the completion of 60 percent. Otherwise, the percentage earned by the student is equal to the percentage (less than 60 percent) of the payment period or period of enrollment that was completed as of the student’s withdrawal date. The unearned amount of Title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student from the amount of Title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR 668.22(e)). Returns of Title IV funds are required to be deposited or transferred into the SFA account or electronic fund transfers initiated to ED as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition We sampled and selected 40 out of 664 transactions and noted 8 instances in which the return of funds was issued after the 45-day period of the official withdrawal date of the students. Cause Processes and controls over the return of payment requirements are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University returns funds timely. Effect The University is not compliant with return of title IV funds requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Finding was identified per review of the University’s compliance with the specified requirements where a statistically validated sample of 40 items was made from a population of 664 of students who withdrew, stopped attending or never attended. Identification as a repeat finding 2023-003 Recommendation We recommend the University establishes procedures to ensure funds are returned timely and accurately in order to comply with the requirements stated in the Compliance Supplement. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-005 Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Criteria Institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and the Direct and FFEL loan programs via the NSLDS. The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Institutions must review, update, and certify student enrollment statuses, program information, and effective dates that appear on the Enrollment Reporting Roster file or on the Enrollment Maintenance page of the NSLDS. There are two categories of enrollment information “Campus Level” and “Program Level”, both of which need to be reported accurately and have separate record types. Institutions are responsible for accurately reporting all Campus-Level Record and Program-Level Record data elements. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended,; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition Out of a sample of 60 students, 1 student selected for testing, had a status change which was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Cause Processes and controls over the reporting of the student status change to the Department of Education are not functioning as intended to ensure that the University complies with this requirement. Effect The University is not in compliance with the stated requirements for timely reporting of enrollment data. Questioned Costs Not applicable.   Context We performed a test of detail where our statistically validated sample consisted of 60 items from a population of 5,843 students that had a reduction or increase in attendance levels impacting enrollment status. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable 2023-004 Recommendation We recommend that the University establishes procedures to ensure that enrollment status changes are updated and accurately reported in a timely manner in the NSLDS database. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Cluster - Various ALN COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - 84.425 Compliance Requirement Cash Management Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Furthermore, for drawdowns in the advanced payment method, an entity must have effective internal controls in place to minimize the time elapsing between transfer of federal funds from the federal entity and the disbursement by the non-federal entity. Condition It was noted that there is a lack of internal controls in place to ensure that advanced funds were disbursed within the established timeline. Specifically, there is a lack of formalized documentation, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to track and enforce controls specifically related to minimizing the time elapsed between transfer of federal funds and disbursement by the University. Cause Controls over cash management, more specifically, related to minimizing the time elapsed between the receipt of advanced funds and disbursement by the University do not seem to be designed or functioning as intended. Effect The lack of properly designed or effectively operating internal controls could lead to the University not meeting federal requirements in regards to time elapsed between receipt and disbursement of advanced funds, which could lead to noncompliance, questioned costs and loss of funds. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Context Management was not able to provide sufficient evidence to support that internal controls related to the timely disbursement of advanced funds are in place and operating effectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation We recommend the University implements internal controls and/or monitoring procedures to ensure the timely disbursement of advanced funds. Management’s Response The University of Puerto Rico concurs with this finding. Management response is included in a separate document. Conclusion Not applicable. Management’s response is consistent with the finding.